Water Quality Specialist Trainee (Environmental Trainee)

THE POSITION The Water Quality Specialist Traineeposition with the Department of Environmental Protection offers an exciting chance to start a career that protects Pennsylvania’s natural resources. This role provides hands-on training and guidance from experienced environmental professionals. You will learn how to monitor sites, review conditions, and support important environmental laws. Begin your path toward meaningful work as an Environmental Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection. DESCRIPTION OF WORK This position provides training in environmental protection work, including inspections, data review, and learning regulatory requirements. It prepares you for future responsibilities related to monitoring oil and gas operations and documenting environmental conditions. As an Environmental Trainee, you will perform the following duties: Data Entry: Input and update environmental information in Department data systems Knowledge Building: Learn laws, regulations, and procedures that guide environmental work Inspection Support: Assist with routine inspections of oil and gas sites to observe environmental conditions Complaint Assistance: Help investigate citizen complaints by gathering field information and samples Plan Review: Support review of environmental plans and documents submitted by operators Field Equipment: Operate and maintain basic scientific instruments during training activities Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. Work Schedule and Additional Information: Full-time employment Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in New Stanton. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview. Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $46,827 (before taxes). You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Four years of technical experience in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental health, geology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field; or An equivalent combination of experience and training. Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree. Special Requirement: This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license. Other Requirements: You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. You must be able to perform essential job functions. Veterans Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. EXAMINATION INFORMATION Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam). Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. Your score is valid for this specific posting only. You must provide complete and accurate information or: your score may be lower than deserved. you may be disqualified. You may only apply/test once for this posting. Your results will be provided via email. Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video! See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator. Health & Wellness We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.* Compensation & Financial Planning We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life Balance We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* Values and Culture We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving. Employee Perks Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships. For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box. Eligibility rules apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr